Kingston, Jamaica- In a remarkable testament to perseverance and determination, 25-year-old biology teacher Stephena Edwards has been crowned the new Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen. Her victory, celebrated at the Colonel Cove complex in Morant Bay on Saturday, June 8, 2024 serves as an inspiring beacon for young women everywhere.
Edwards, sponsored by Intown Diagnostic & Optical Ltd, embarked on a journey fraught with challenges. Balancing her teaching responsibilities in the Corporate Area, she undertook daily commutes from Kingston to St. Thomas for training and development sessions. This relentless routine tested her resolve, but Edwards remained undaunted, driven by a passion to succeed.
Her triumph is not just a personal victory but a symbol of what determination and resilience can achieve. "This has been a challenging experience, but I am ecstatic and it proves that my efforts were not in vain," Edwards shared in her post-coronation interview.
Stephena Edwards’ story is a powerful reminder to the youth, especially young women of St. Thomas, that obstacles are merely stepping stones. She reflects on her past, recalling how she was often underestimated during her primary and high school years. "I was seen as someone who was not worthy, but I never allowed it to stop me. I want to encourage young women of St. Thomas to showcase their craft, talent, and goals. Stop playing small, show up, and continue to build your brand and your legacy."
Her dedication and hard work paid off as she secured not only the major title but also five of the six sectional prizes, including Most Popular on Social Media, Most Poised, Best Performance,
Most Involved in Community, and Most Culturally Aware. Edwards' decisive victory has ignited hope that St. Thomas could soon add another national title to its legacy, following previous wins in 1986 and 2007.
As she prepares to compete for the national title on August 3 at the National Arena, Stephena Edwards’ journey stands as an inspirational narrative of empowerment and triumph, urging young women to rise above their insecurities, embrace their potential, and strive for greatness.
